Child safety locks for sliding sash windows

speckybecky

Hello all. I've just moved into a 2 storey house which has sliding sash windows upstairs. So, they slide upwards to open, meaning that when they're open, there's no longer any "window" at the bottom & hence they pose a serious risk to children. Obviously I am not planning on leaving them open very often but I would like to keep the house well ventilated so would like to open them for a short period once a day. Can anybody recommend a lock for this type of window? Thanks

bonzodog2

Screw a small block of something a couple of inches above the top of the bottom sash, into the frame at the side

speckybecky

Thanks for taking the time to reply. That's an idea. Would that not be dangerous in the event of a fire? Not being able to escape? God forbid.

com1

would stair guards fit in the window opening?

Wadpie

speckybecky wrote:

Thanks for taking the time to reply. That's an idea. Would that not be dangerous in the event of a fire? Not being able to escape? God forbid.

Your right, building regs say that all window restrictors have to be releasable in the event of an emergency. So screwing something permanent or even locking a window handle is against the building regs.

A cable restrictors or cord restrictors would probably be the best solution for a sash window. The vast majority of restrictors are designed for casement windows, so your not going to be spoilt for choice I'm afraid

gctest50

Sash window travel restrictors


http://www.caldwell.co.uk/decorative-hardware/travel-restrictors/

Mellor

speckybecky wrote: »

Hello all. I've just moved into a 2 storey house which has sliding sash windows upstairs. So, they slide upwards to open, meaning that when they're open, there's no longer any "window" at the bottom & hence they pose a serious risk to children. Obviously I am not planning on leaving them open very often but I would like to keep the house well ventilated so would like to open them for a short period once a day. Can anybody recommend a lock for this type of window? Thanks

Unless the window is a single sash type, then the top sash probably slides down also. This is a better way of ventilation without creating the risk of falling out.
Having the bottom sash in the up position is about as dangerous as an unrestricted casement window, where a child can fall out just as easily. If the window is at the correct height, (building regs) the chances are reduced. If the window isn't however, there's little you can do at this stage.

What exactly are you trying to achieve? To lock the window when necessary, or to restricted the travel to say 100mm. Both are possible with either a sash lock or a travel restrictor. Just make sure it can be easily disengaged my hand, and doesn't require a key or anything.